The Military Reserve

Name: The Military Reserve
Address: 750 Mountain Cove Rd, Boise, ID 83702, USA, Boise, ID, US
Telephone: (208) 384-4422
Rating: 4.8

4.8(662) Boise, ID

Directions Website

About The Military Reserve

The Military Reserve offers a unique blend of urban proximity and natural tranquility, featuring an extensive, well-maintained trail system suitable for diverse activities like hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Its beginner-friendly trails, dedicated 'kids area,' and additional amenities like a dog park and archery range make it a versatile outdoor destination for families of all activity levels, all while providing scenic mountain and city views.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking easy to moderately challenging hiking or trail running experiences.Mountain biking families, as there are options for all skill levels.Families looking for a peaceful outdoor activity close to an urban center.Parents with dogs, utilizing the on-site dog park.Families interested in horseback riding, given the horse trailer parking.

Why families love it

Very clean and well-maintained restrooms available.
Dedicated horse trailer parking provided, indicating it's welcoming to equestrian families.
Trails are described as easy, well-maintained, and suitable for beginners, with hills that aren't too steep.
Provides beautiful views of the mountains in the distance and downtown Boise on clear days.
A quiet and peaceful atmosphere, despite its convenient proximity to city activity.
Frequent opportunities to spot birds and other critters, adding a nature exploration element for children.

Insider tips

Arrive early, ideally before 7 am on weekend mornings, to secure parking and avoid the rapidly increasing crowds and heat.
Be prepared for very muddy conditions by wearing appropriate waterproof footwear if there has been recent rain or snow.
Consider visiting in early May for cooler temperatures, greener trails, and less dust.
Actively look for birds and other critters on the trails to enhance the nature experience for children.
If trail running, reviewers found the Kestrel, Crestline & Sidewinder route (approx. 11.4 miles, 1600 ft elevation gain) to be challenging but runnable.

Good to know before you go

Late mornings or afternoons on weekends if you prefer to avoid significant crowds and difficult parking situations.
Visiting immediately after rain or snow if you want to avoid very muddy trail conditions.
Peak summer afternoons if sensitive to high heat and dusty trails.
Trails can become very muddy after rain or snow, requiring appropriate footwear.
Trails and parking areas become very busy and crowded after 9 am, particularly on weekend mornings.

Crowds: The trails are consistently frequented by families and people with dogs.
Value: No pricing information provided in the reviews, suggesting general access to the trails and amenities might be free or low cost, typical for public reserves and trail systems.
Accessibility: Trails are described as 'easy' with 'hills that aren't so steep,' which may accommodate some with mobility limitations or parents with strollers, though specific accessibility features like paved paths or ramps are not mentioned.
Safety: No explicit venue-provided safety features (such as staff supervision, security patrols, or first aid stations) are mentioned in the reviews.

What parents say

Jenna Squires

5.0

"Love this place. Everything about it. I carry weapons for safety, but I do feel safe here for hikes, trail runs, and occasionally horseback riding. There is horse trailer parking so we feel allowed to be there. The restroom is always very clean and taken care of. In good weather we are there probably 2-4 times a week. There are always families, and happy pups on the trail too."

a month ago

Carlos Montoya

5.0

"It can get very muddy with rain and snow, but it is an easy hike with hills that aren't so steep. Beautiful views of the mountains towards the distance and great view of downtown Boise when the skies are clear."

3 years ago

Cullen Anderson

5.0

"This area is close to downtown and convenient for several hiking and biking trails. Though it is so close to city activity, time out here is generally quiet and peaceful. The trails are well maintained and can be done by beginners. And you almost always spot some birds and other critters while here."

4 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.